Nutz about Stamping

You don't have to be a quilter to create this beautiful 9 patch card

When my son was little I loved sewing his clothes. It was so fun going to fabric stores to pick out playful fabric patterns for him. As he grew older, my sewing passion took a turn to quilting. One of my favorite quilting patterns was the '9 patch'. It was easy to create and fun to sew all the different 9 patch possibilities. 

 

The other day a Stampin' Up! demonstrator shared a card that was created using left over bits of designer series paper. It was a 9 patch card technique! You have got to give this technique a try. It looks complicated but it's not.

 

I do recommend that you use a liquid glue like our Multipurpose Liquid Glue to help arrange pieces.

 

The Hues of Happiness designer series paper is the star of this card! 

Although you can use any phrase across the front of the card, I decided to use the 'Sending' dies from the Sending Smiles bundle:

 

Send sunshine to brighten someone’s day, comfort and strength, a note of thanks, or birthday wishes. Whatever the occasion, you can create beautiful cards with heartfelt thoughts that will bring a smile to whoever receives it! This set includes nine versatile sentiments so you can tailor today's idea for any occasion that you have coming up. 

Now when you see my card you may think - uh huh, there is no way I can make this card. But yes you can! Just watch my video below to see how to create the pieces using your Paper Trimmer (so helpful!) and Multipurpose Liquid Glue (essential). Watch my video tutorial below and.....

then prepare to wow your friends and family! 

Supplies

Stamp set: Sending Smiles bundle (158707)

Paper and Cutting dimensions:
        Daffodil Delight: 10 1/2" x 5 1/4"; 3 3/4" x 1 3/4" 
        Fresh Freesia: (4) 1 1/2" squares
        Hues of Happiness: pattern one (3) 1 1/2" squares; pattern two (2) 1 1/2" squares
        Basic White: 4 1/2" square
        Night of Navy: 3 3/4" x 1 3/4" 

Misc: Hues of Happiness designer series paper (158822); Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stripes & Splatters embossing folder (157980); Mini Stampin' Dimensional; Basic Pearls Jewels (144219); Adhesive Sheets (152334)

 

Here's my video - be sure to watch all the way through for my bonus tips and design ideas. And if there is a technique you'd like me to feature on a future video, please leave me a comment to let me know. 

I can't wait to share this exciting product news with you

I am so excited to announce that you can now purchase branded Stampin' Up! merchandise at my online store! Once you have a look I just know you will head straight to my Online Store - these products are available only for a short time so pleeeassseee don't wait! 

 

STAMPIN' UP! ABIGAIL ROSE POSTER 

Decorate your space with inspirational beauty with the Stampin’ Up! Abigail Rose Poster. This poster features a piece of the Stampin’ Up! Statement of the Heart: “Love what you do, share what you love” which is a sentiment that resonates deeply with the Stampin’ Up! community. The art design coordinates with the Abigail Rose Suite. 

• 1 poster
• 18" X 24" (45.7 X 61 cm)
• Coated glossy paper
• Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Petal Pink, Very Vanilla

2022–2024 IN COLOR GRID PAPER

 

Protect your workspace and color your craft room with the 2022–2024 In Color Grid Paper! The grid paper features five 11" x 17" (28 x 43 cm) sheets of each 2022–2024 In Color. 

• 25 sheets: 5 each of 5 colors
• 11" x 17" (28 x 43 cm)
• Orchid Oasis, Parakeet Party, Starry Sky, Sweet Sorbet, Tahitian Tide

ABIGAIL ROSE FILE FOLDERS 

The Abigail Rose File Folders are the perfect decorative touch to create a functionally organised space! 

• 6 folders: 2 each of 3 designs
• 9-1/2" x 14" (24.1 x 35.6 cm)
• Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Petal Pink, Smoky Slate, Very Vanilla

ABIGAIL ROSE HOODIE 

Represent Stampin’ Up! in style with the Abigail Rose Hoodie! This hoodie features a color-blocking style with florals from the Abigail Rose Suite. Perfect for casual, everyday wear or to wear to a Stampin’ Up! workshop or get together!

• 1 hoodie - sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL

2022–2024 IN COLOR™ GLIMMER TUMBLER: Available in STARRY SKY, PARAKEET PARTY, SWEET SORBET, TAHITIAN TIDE, OR  ORCHID OASIS

Quench your thirst with the 2022–2024 In Color™ Glimmer Tumbler! This insulated tumbler is perfect to take your drinks with you on the go, or to sip comfortable at home. The white to In Color ombre design is finished with shimmering glimmer to add a touch of sparkle to your day. Hand wash only. Wash before first use.

• • 1 insulated tumbler
  • Stainless steel
  • 20 oz. (591 mL)
  • 6-7/8" x 3-1/2" (17.5 x 8.9 cm)
  • Starry Sky, white
  • FDA approved

Looking for fresh ideas and designs for your summer cards and crafts?

Then the Pick of the Crop Paper Pumpkin Kit is just what you’re looking for! This month’s kit is inspired by open markets, summer produce, and community. We can’t wait to see how you make the most of this sensational kit. And don’t miss the exciting news below about the mini canvas bag add-on!

 

ABOUT THE KIT

Name: Pick of the Crop        Subscribe by 10 June to get this kit! (what a gift idea!)

This kit includes:

• This month’s kit contains enough elements to create 9 cards—3 each of 3 designs—and 9 coordinating envelopes. This all-inclusive kit includes printed card bases, die-cut paper pieces, adhesive, and more!
• The Pick of the Crop Paper Pumpkin Kit includes a Calypso Coral Classic Stampin’ Spot!
• This kit’s stamp set is perfect for expressing your love, gratitude, and style. With sentiments that say “Love you a whole bunch”, “You’re the pick of the crop”, “You are the sweetest,” and so many more, you’ll be able to use this photopolymer stamp set for all of your summer projects.
• This kit also includes specialty vellum pieces to add a fresh touch to your cards.
• And you’ll get a Mini Shopping Bag (5-3/8" x 6"; 13.7 x 15.2 cm) which can be used to hold a couple cards for a unique craft element. (Additional bags available to purchase separately.)
• Card size: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" (10.8 x 14 cm)
• Envelope size: 4-1/2" x 5-3/4" (11.4 x 14.6 cm)
• Coordinating colors: Blackberry Bliss, Cajun Craze, Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, Garden Green, Night of Navy, Soft Succulent 

Oh and it keeps getting better! This month you can purchase additional mini canvas shopping bags for a fun twist on card packaging. Just our way of expanding one of our favorite kits of the season!

Available for purchase at my Online Store starting 13 June 2022:

Mini Shopping Bags Add-On

Item Number: 161922 

Item Price: $13.00 

Add-on details:

• You must be a current Paper Pumpkin subscriber to purchase this item.
• Includes 4 mini canvas bags.
• You can fit a couple cards in each bag. Perfect for a fun twist on card packaging!
• Stamp or color on the bags for a personalized touch.
• Mini Shopping Bag size: 5-3/8" x 6" (13.7 x 15.2 cm)

Give your card collection a reFRESH with this month’s Paper Pumpkin Kit! We’re talking FRESH ideas, designs, cards, and crafts. Each month we strive to deliver a seasonal selection, and this month is no different. It’s time to express your love, gratitude, and style with summer’s hottest trends in crafting.

Which is the perfect set for so many different occasions? This one!

I don't think I have to do much more convincing that the Sending Smiles bundle is a fantastic value!

 

It is my go-to set for almost all the cards I have been creating lately. So, no big surprise that when I saw this week's card map challenge...

that I decided to use this bundle once again. It's perfect for more than one of the rows/columns too!

Why do I love Sending Smiles so much? It is the perfect set to:

• brighten someone’s day
• offer comfort and strength
• send a note of thanks
• wish someone beautiful birthday wishes.

Whatever the occasion, you can create beautiful cards with heartfelt thoughts that will bring a smile to whoever receives it! This set includes nine versatile sentiments and thirteen images that arrange to create a wide variety of floral designs. Mix and match to make simple or complex cards, backgrounds, borders, or centerpieces.

Can you figure out which row/column I selected for this week's card?

 

My challenge project was soooo easy to create and there is beauty in its simplicity. Tip: I used an embossing folder for the card front base - just to add a detailed touch. 

And now it's your turn. Try our card map challenge for the week and what you can create. If you want to share your final project or to see what the other design crew members created this week too, click here. 

 

 

 

How to create a pearlescent sheen and luxurious feel on your projects

Tucked away in the new Annual Catalog (page 139) is a pack of speciality paper that could be so easily missed, but which certainly should not be overlooked.

The Brushstroke Speciality Paper is 3 sheets of paper, one each in Blushing Bride, Soft Succulent and Night of Navy. The surface of the paper has a beautiful fern style of patterning across the surface and the overall effect is of patterned silk fabric or silk wallpaper from a stately home or castle. It has a pearlescent sheen, which gives a luxurious feel to it which makes it a gorgeous addition to any project. Use with any dies or punches to create unique shapes perfect for layering any look. Each pack contains:

* 3 sheets: 1 each of 3 colors - Blushing Bride, Night of Navy, Soft Succulent
* 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm)
 

Taking that idea of silk wallpaper, this quick and easy card has combined the Blushing Bride Brushstroke Speciality Paper with the Fabulous Frames dies, to create a thank you card that is reminiscent of a picture hanging on the wall. The embossed gold foil corners and frame both act to draw the eye to the beautiful design that comes more clearly into focus as the paper catches the light.

If you missed seeing this little gem as you flicked through your catalog, I do hope you will go back and give it another look and add it to your shopping list. Tip: click on the photo of the specialty paper above to link over to my USA online store! 

Ask 8 Stampin' Up! demonstrators what they love best about their 'job' and here's what they say

This month Stampin' Up! has a May Starter Kit promotion and, sadly, today is the final day! This amazing deal is too good to turn down!

The Starter Kit price has not changed (only $99!) but look at what you get:

PROMOTION DATES: 3–31 MAY 2022

For only $99 will get you ALL this & More ($214 in product!)

 

1. $125 of products of your choice from the new catalog

2. $66.50 of new 2022-24 In Color Products:  In Color Grid Paper, In Color Ink Pad Collection, In Color Cardstock Collection, and In Color 6" x 6" (15.2 x 15.2 cm) Designer Series Paper Assortments. 

3. $22.50 Paper Pumpkin Kit

 

And FREE shipping on all that!

 

Once you get your Starter Kit:

• you'll get to shop from yourself saving 20% on future purchases
• be among the first to see and order from the 2022 Holiday catalog! 
• access to my amazing team
• training and support from me

And no obligation to make any further purchases through August 2022 (unless you choose to do so). If you decide you like saving money and other demonstrator perks then you can stay active through a low quarterly minimum.

But don't just take it from me! A demonstrator forum recently posted this question: What do you like most about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator? 

Here's how 8 of my fellow demonstrators responded:

 

• I,  like so many others enjoy the fellowship of all the new friends I have made over the years.  I also love the discount! 
  
  
• My best part of being a SU (Stampin' Up!) Demonstrator is the all the people I’ve met through card making. I’m not a very social person but love to share my love of card making so I’ve made friends that way. It also gives me something good to focus on in retirement and living alone since my husband passed.
  
  
• The fun, fellowship and sharing the love of crafting. Yes, I share about that aspect all the time!
  
  
• There is a “family” feel among the SU! demos because we share our various goals with others in this wonderful SU! Company.
  
  
• I've always loved the creative outlet but the best thing about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is the wonderful friends and craft-buddies I have made over the years. I share my love of stamping always. 
  
  
• My favorite thing about being a demonstrator is the wonderful friends I’ve made.
  
  
• The two best things for me about being an SU! demonstrator are getting together with my customers & team members to teach them something new while enjoying the fellowship, and the discount I get when buying my stamping supplies.
  
  
• There are several things that are best about being a SU! Demo:

- The Discount, volume rebates and more

- Meeting up with other demo’s online or in person at SU! events

- Being part of a company that promotes giving back

- Getting to see products before they go live in the catalog

- Stamp, Create, Play…Everyday!

 

Ready to join? Click here!

Can you create 13 floral designs from a single stamp set? Yes you can!

A couple of weeks ago a group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators met up for a day of crafting fun. We swapped cards and 3D projects, we saw table displays of new catalog project ideas and we made three amazing projects. Want to see some photos of this fun day? Click here to checkout that blog post. 

 

Want to know the best part of that special day? The new friends that I made that day and will stay in contact with for a long time.

 

In today's video I want you show you one of these projects we made that day - a fun fold card idea using the Sending Smiles bundle. It's super easy but doesn't look that way.

 

 

The Sending Smiles Stamp Set is perfect to brighten someone’s day, offer comfort and strength, a note of thanks, or birthday wishes. Whatever the occasion, you can create beautiful cards with heartfelt thoughts that will bring a smile to whoever receives it! This set includes nine versatile sentiments and thirteen images that arrange to create a wide variety of floral designs. Mix and match to make simple or complex cards, backgrounds, borders, or centerpieces.

 

 

The Timeworn Type embossing folder has an antique look and adds aged detail and texture to any project. Use as a layering piece to add dimension to all of your cards and scrapbook layouts. Or use it on card fronts like we will be doing today.

 

 

Here's what you need to make today's card. 

 

Supplies

Stamp set: Sending Smiles (bundle: 158707)

Ink: Sweet Sorbet, Daffodil Delight, Parakeet Party

Paper and cutting dimensions:

        Basic White: 10 1/8" x 5 7/8" (score at 4 1/4" and 8 1/2"); 2" x 3 1/4"; 2" x 1 1/2"; 1 14" x 2 3/4"; 4" x 2;                                 2' x 1"

Misc: Simply Scored; Timeworn Type 3D embossing folder (156505); Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Brushed Brass Butterflies (158136); Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

 

Here's my video tutorial - be sure to watch all the way through for my bonus tips and design ideas! 

 

Do you like to save money? This amazing deal is just too good to turn down!

This amazing deal is too good to turn down!

The Starter Kit price has not changed (only $99!) but look at what you get:

PROMOTION DATES: 3–31 MAY 2022

Beginning May 3rd - $99 will get you ALL this & More ($214 in product!)

 

1. $125 of products of your choice from the new catalog

2. $66.50 of new 2022-24 In Color Products:  In Color Grid Paper, In Color Ink Pad Collection, In Color Cardstock Collection, and In Color 6" x 6" (15.2 x 15.2 cm) Designer Series Paper Assortments. 

3. $22.50 Paper Pumpkin Kit

 

And FREE shipping on all that!

 

Once you get your Starter Kit:

• you'll get to shop from yourself saving 20% on future purchases
• be among the first to see and order from the 2022 Holiday catalog! 
• access to my amazing team
• training and support from me

And no obligation to make any further purchases through August 2022 (unless you choose to do so). If you decide you like saving money and other demonstrator perks then you can stay active through a low quarterly minimum.

 

To ask questions and to let me know you are joining my team (so I can send you a welcome kit), email me today at: [email protected] 

This challenge map inspired me to create a beautiful monochromatic card

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge took me outside of my design comfort zone: 

 

I originally thought that I would use one of my punches to create the tag end on one of the layers but then realized it had retired - I try to show you products that are available for purchase to avoid disappointment!

Then I remembered that I have the Tailored Made Tags dies so thought it would be fun to use a large tag die on my card. 

And from here it got a bit crazy. Last week I introduced the new 2022-23 In Colors... 

• Tahitian Tide
• Parakeet Party
• Sweet Sorbet
• Starry Sky
• Orchid Oasis

...and showed how to use paper scraps of these colors to make a beautiful card idea.

I wanted to feature one of these colors, Orchid Oasis on today's card. And boy did I ever! Instead of the paper strip on the map, I chose one of the Blossoming Happiness dies, from the Happiness Abounds Bundle. This pack of dies is so much fun!

Here's my card! Soooo much purple but I still think it's fun. 

Why not give this week's card map challenge a try. You don't have to do purple OR monochromatic but do try to step outside your comfort zone and see what you create. 

If you want to see what the other design crew members created this week, click here to link over to that site. 

This one product trick will help you save money in the long run

Ink Refills (sometimes called reinkers) are one of the best investments you can make but soooo many stampers don't see their value. 

Here's a photo of the Brights Collection Ink Refills

If you haven't invested in Ink Refills, here are two great reasons that you should:

1. Re-inking Stamp Pads

Stampin' Up!s innovative ink pad design has a patented flip-top lid to keep the stamp pad inked during storage. The firm foam pads outlast felt pads and give you a superior stamping experience. Here's how to reink your ink pads:

· Take an old credit card or gift card and gently run it across the top of the ink pad to push the ink down into the pad.

· Add the ink in rows while trying to leave no spaces between the rows.

· Take a spoon and using the back of it spread the ink around the pad pushing it into the pad.

· Test to make sure there is enough ink. Make sure ink is even. Add more ink to the areas that need it. You can usually see a lighter spot in areas that need more ink.

· Tips: I have had a few ink pads that would not ink up the stamp properly. (it felt like there was some kind of barrier between the pad and the stamp. I rinse the ink pad in water to get all of the ink out, dry, and then re-ink. This has fixed more than one of my ink pads.

· If your ink pad is too juicy then use the back of a spoon to push the ink down into the pad.

*** Did you know that you can re-ink markers? If I had known this tip I would not have thrown so many of them away.

2. Re-inking Markers

Stampin’ Write dual-tipped markers have a broad tip for coloring and achieving unique color effects and a fine tip for writing. Each Stampin' Write Color Collection Marker Assortment includes ten markers.

 

· When you notice the marker ink is fading or not working it needs re-inking

· Gently remove the brush tip and add a few drops of ink to the top where you removed the tip.

· Tap the marker on the table till the ink goes down and add a few more drops.

· Repeat this until there is enough ink in the marker.

· Do not overfill.

· Replace the brush tip and you are done!

9 versatile sentiments and 13 images that arrange to create a beautiful variety of floral designs

I am taking a few days of much needed R&R, so no video tutorial this week. However, I cannot go off without leaving you with a beautiful card idea. This one is a 'slimline card', using the Sending Smiles bundle. 

I love slimline cards - they are fun to make and even more fun to receive. 

Create thoughtful cards for every occasion with the Sending Smiles bundle. Send sunshine to brighten someone’s day, comfort and strength, a note of thanks, or birthday wishes. Whatever the occasion, you can create beautiful cards with heartfelt thoughts that will bring a smile to whoever receives it! This set includes nine versatile sentiments and thirteen images that arrange to create a wide variety of floral designs.

Mix and match blossoms, buds, stems, and leaves for new patterns that can be as simple or complex as you like. These stamps are perfect for a single ink and stamp to create backgrounds, borders, or centerpieces. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Sending Smiles (bundle: 158707)
• Card Stock – Basic White (159276); Tahitian Tide (159261); Starry Sky (159263)
• Stamp Pads – Starry Sky (159212); Parakeet Party (159208); Tahitian Tide (159210)
• Misc. – Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653); Adhesive Sheets (152334); Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108); Stampin’ Seal (152813)
  
  

Measurements:  

• Tahitian Tide: 8 ½” x 7”                    2” x ¾”                       3” x ½”               3 ¾” x 1 ¾”
• Basic White: 8 ¼” x 3 ¼”                (2) 1 ¼” squares       2” square (2)         3” x 1 ½”       3 ½” x 2”                    2 ¾” x 3/8”

• Starry Sky: 3 ¾” x 1 ¾”
• Adhesive Sheet: 3 ¾” x 1 ¾”

Instructions:

1. Fold Tahitian Tide card stock in half and score to create card base.
2. Adhere Adhesive Sheet to back of Tahitian Tide; die-cut ‘
3. Die-cut ‘Sending’ frame from Starry Sky. Attach to Tahitian Tide ‘Sending’.
4. Ink flowers using Tahitian Tide and Starry Sky inks and stamp onto Whisper White squares. Die-cut.
5. Ink flower stems using Parakeet Party ink and stamp onto Whisper White. Die-cut.
6. Die-cut Tahitian Tide tiny flowers.
7. Ink phrase using Starry Sky and stamp onto Basic White strip. Adhere to Tahitian Tide strip, using Stampin’ Seal.
8. Adhere ‘Sending’ phrase, tiny flowers, and flower stems to card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
9. Attach flower tops and phrase using Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Turn your next paper crafting project into a colorful artistic masterpiece

The canvas-looking paper in the Hues of Happiness 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper pack** features illustrated and painted flowers on one side with all-purpose patterns on the other side.

 

Designed to represent the Stampin' Up! color spectrum, the repeating patterns can be used:

• as focal images
• as accent pieces on your card bases and scrapbook layouts
• to create elegant backgrounds with the color gradient patterned sheets.

**click on the paper pack photo above to order it at my online store (USA)

My card feature today uses one of the patterned papers to create a beautiful and simple friendship card. See how to make it below! 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Happiness Abounds (bundle: 158824)
• Card Stock – Basic White (159276); Flirty Flamingo (141416)
• Stamp Pads – Mossy Meadow (147111); Memento Tuxedo Black Ink (132708)
• Misc. – Hughes of Happiness Designer Series Paper (158822); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653); Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108); Stampin’ Seal (152813); Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends (154883); Glossy Dots Assortment (158827)
  
  

Measurements:  

• Flirty Flamingo: 8 ½” x 5 ½”
• Hues of Happiness: 4” x 5 ¼”
• Basic White: 3” x 1 ¼”        2” square      

Instructions:

1. Fold Flirty Flamingo card stock in half and score to create card base.
2. Adhere Hues of Happiness layer to card base using Stampin’ Seal.
3. Ink Happiness Abounds phrase using Mossy Meadow and stamp onto Basic White paper strip. Die-cut using Blossoming Happiness dies (part of the bundle).
4. Ink flower image using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and stamp onto Basic White square, Color using Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends. Die-cut using Blossoming Happiness Dies (part of Happiness Abounds bundle).
5. Adhere die-cut phrase to card front using Stampin’ Seal. Tuck flower stem underneath and attach flower to card front using Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals.
6. Add 3 Glossy Dots to complete card.

Do you know how to care for your acrylic blocks?

Stampin’Up has the best acrylic blocks on the market. They are thick enough to hold and has grooves on the sides to help keep your fingers in place so the block does not slip. For the quality they are reasonably priced and will last for many years with proper care.

Use our high-quality, reusable acrylic blocks for all of your cling rubber stamps and photopolymer clear stamps. Stamp blocks are grooved for easy gripping and clear so you can see right where you're stamping. Temporarily mount stamps on clear blocks for stamping, then remove for space-saving storage.

It is important to keep them clean. During classes or long stamping sessions I use hand sanitizers. Do not use baby wipes. They can leave fine lint on the block and a greasy finish from a lotion used for babies. It protects the baby but not your acrylic block.

After your stamping session, clean your used blocks with rubbing alcohol and a soft shammy.

One or two times a month give them a good cleaning with warm water and Dawn dish washing solution. This removes oil from fingerprints on the blocks. Let them soak for about five minutes and then use a sponge of soft dishrag to clean. Rinse them well and air dry them by setting them on their side so the stamping surface is exposed to the air.

Avoid hot water. This can cause them to turn milky instead of sparkly clear.

 

Tip:

Save 10% on the clear block bundle (see photo above) that includes all of our block sizes, so you’ll always have the block you need on hand.

Bundle includes
* Clear Block A: 1-3/16" x 1-1/4" (3 x 3.2 cm)
* Clear Block B: 1-5/8" x 1-15/16" (4.1 x 4.9 cm)
* Clear Block C: 2" x 2-1/4" (5.1 x 5.7 cm)
* Clear Block D: 2-7/8" x 2-11/16" (7.3 x 6.8 cm)
* Clear Block E: 3-7/16" x 4-7/16" (8.7 x 11.3 cm)
* Clear Block F: 4-7/8" x 6" (12.4 x 15.2 cm)
* Clear Block G: 2-1/2" x 3/4" (6.4 x 1.9 cm)
* Clear Block H: 4-7/16" x 1-5/8" (11.3 x 4.1 cm)
* Clear Block I: 5-7/8" x 2-1/4" (14.9 x 5.7 cm)

 

BONUS Tip: you can safely store your clear blocks in this cool Clear Block Storage Caddy:

 

 

Got paper scraps? Then here's the perfect challenge for you

This week's Paper Craft Crew challenge is the perfect way to use up some of those paper scraps that I know you have lying around:

 

And it's kind of funny but I struggled with the angle and the shape of the scraps on this image. For a while. Then I let it go and decided not to worry about the small details, to have some fun and share an idea that is adapted from this map. 

At a team meeting event that I attended last weekend (see yesterday's blog post for the juicy details), I WON a prize. The table was filled with product options and I chose the 2022-23 In Color Designer Series Paper pack. An unusual choice for me but I decided on this because in all the years that Stampin' Up! has offered these packs I have never bought one. Free is good. 

 

 

 

The smaller sheets are ideal for handmade cards, mini scrapbook albums, and for use as colorful accents—cut them with our dies and punches for quick and easy embellishments!

I thought it would be fun to sample each of these new colors on my card:

• Sweet Sorbet
• Parakeet Party
• Tahitian Tide
• Starry Sky
• Orchid Opulence

***Did you know there is an In Color promotion for May only? Have a peek here. 

I also used the new Sending Smiles bunde to add an In Color embellishment to each row on my card.

 

Here's my card:

If you love paper scrap cards as much as I do, here's another project idea to try.

And now it's your turn: try our challenge for the week and see what you can create using this map. It's a great way to use up your scraps! If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this challenge, link over here. 

It was so exciting to see each other again after two years of isolation

This past weekend I attended a Stampin' Up! Netherlands team event - a day full of fun! When we first arrived the room was buzzing with excitement since we hadn't seen each over for over two years! 

We immediately began swapping project ideas (cards and 3D items - see below), and catching up on how everyone is doing. 

I love the generosity of all these creative friends - they brought 'swaps' for everyone, whether they got something in return or not. 

See that striped bag? It had full color instructions for three over-the-top projects that we would make during the day. 

Here are some sneak peeks:

Project 1: a pocket card

Project 2: a card with a surprise inside!

 

Project 3: A Pop-up card:

And of course no team event would be complete without a fun game idea: Name that catalog price! [with $100 in products for the winner! (not me, sad face)]

 

I love these kinds of meetings. I come home with my head FULL of ideas to share with you - on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, in my newsletters and here on my blog. 

If you want to know more about joining my team and ALL the fun, click here. (Tip: there is a FAB bonus this month which will be added to your Starter Kit)